India's Next Weapon against Climate Change? The Heat-Tolerant Dwarf Cow
Worsening heat, fodder shortages and the threat of drought are forcing many hard-hit dairy farmers in the Anantapur area of India's southern Kerala state to reduce their herds. But the solution to the problem is simple and small, livestock experts argue: heat-tolerant dwarf cows. A team of researchers are now promoting a switch to two local varieties known for being easy to raise, resistant to diseases, and better at tolerating high temperatures than the more popular crossbred cattle.
The World's Most Beautiful Greenhouses Are Underwater, and Growing Strawberries
Ocean Reef Group — a diving equipment company — is building experimental underwater greenhouses off the coast of Italy, which take advantage of the sea’s constant temperatures and high amounts of carbon dioxide. This project is part of the Italian Pavilion theme at the EXPO 2015, “how to feed the planet.” The company is monitoring five balloon-like biospheres that house a number of plants, such as basil, lettuce, strawberries and beans.
Farm Waste and Animal Fats Will Help Power a United Jet
Sometime this summer, a United Airlines flight will take off from Los Angeles International Airport bound for San Francisco using fuel generated from farm waste and oils derived from animal fats. United plans to announce a $30 million investment in one of the largest producers of aviation biofuels, Fulcrum BioEnergy, the biggest investment so far by a domestic airline in the small but growing field of alternative fuels. Fulcrum, a California-based company, has developed and certified a technology that turns municipal waste — household trash — into sustainable aviation fuel, a kind that can be blended directly with traditional jet fuels.
Missouri Food Pantries Help Clients Grow Their Own Produce
Grow Well Missouri, a program that travels to food pantries around central Missouri, is one of several food-aid groups helping to teach pantry visitors how to grow their own food, passing out seeds and starter plants to low-income locals. At the end of the year, Grow Well Missouri will start hosting workshops and training sessions for other Midwest groups interested in initiating their own version of the project.